Cosmetic Surgery for African-Americans

Here in Los Angeles, we have a wide diversity of ethnic groups who come to see us for cosmetic surgery. At least a third of our patients have darker skin types. Why does your ethnicity and skin type matter when choosing a cosmetic surgeon? The formation of scar tissue and other characteristics of healing mean that it is extremely important for a cosmetic surgeon to have experience with surgery on many different skin tones.

We’ve also learned to recognize different body types. Every individual body is different, and Dr. Yoho always considers each individual’s body when consulting with his patients. But he is also sensitive to the fact that ethnicity does play a role. There are cultural differences that mean that patients have different standards of beauty, which a surgeon must understand. There are also body-type characteristics that tend to be predominant in different ethnic backgrounds.

African-American body types (or black body types) generally have a very narrow waist and are wider-hipped, having very full buttocks areas. We gauge our surgery to accentuate or improve these features. Other darker skin types, such as Native American skin types in the Unites States typically have thicker waists. Patients with these ethnic body types often ask that we try to improve their “figure 8” or curves with buttock fat transplants (of course this is also requested by some patients with darker skin who feel that they would like to reduce a larger body size).

The many skin types result in a big spectrum of response to incisions. The very lightest skin types do probably the best with scarring. Because they are so light the light-colored types of scars don’t show much compared to the light surrounding skin. On the other hand, the darkest skin types don’t experience the cosmetic concern of the visible darkening effect that some other healing scars have, because the surrounding skin is also dark. These skin types can often show keloid issues, which is a tendency of scar tissue to thicken and lift above the surrounding skin. We commonly inject these scars after surgery and we follow these patients for months, to be sure that they don’t have raised scars. Some of the mixed skin types, with tan-colored skin or a little darker, can develop darkened scars which can be treated with varieties of fade cream, and also sometimes they need injections if their scars are elevated.

Judy Yoho has written a special section of Dr. Yoho’s book A New Body in One Day that further discusses some of the concerns of African Americans and cosmetic surgery. So please consider us if you have an African-American background or if you have another darker skin type, because our experience is tremendous. We’ve performed over 20,000 cases on all varieties of ethnicity. Although there is no way to guarantee a certain kind of recovery, we can usually predict with great accuracy how you are going to improve.

An Unforeseen "Complication" of Breast Implant Surgery

One of our patients is having a baby!

We were delighted when patient recently sent us this picture to let us know about a “side effect” of her breast augmentation surgery. Pregnancy! As you can see, her recovery from breast implant surgery has gone remarkably well. We always do our best to avoid complications after surgery, but in this case it was a happy surprise. We are thrilled to see her enjoying her new life.

Breast augmentation surgery is still one of the most-requested cosmetic surgeries, along with liposuction. Of course everyone has their own unique reasons for requesting cosmetic surgery, but there are some nearly universal reasons as well. Patients often feel that larger breasts will give them better proportions, improving their self-confidence on a daily basis. The psychological boost that comes from changing your figure should not be underestimated. Many patients want to feel more sexy, whether they are single or in long-term relationships, and if you look in the mirror and feel dissatisfied with the way your clothes fit, or with the way you look naked, then you might decide surgery is the right option for you.

Breast augmentation can help women feel more womanly. Many patients who feel that their breasts are too small have always wished for more curves. Women whose breasts have begun to sag, which can occur as an effect of age or pregnancy and breast-feeding, feel a loss of their confidence. Breast augmentation helps to make that difference in knowing that they look and feel good.

Sometimes even Dr. Yoho cannot predict the effects of his surgeries. This patient certainly seems to relish her new role! Of course, we can't take all of the credit for life's happy surprises post-surgery. But it makes us feel terrific to see our patients enjoying life with a new look. Sometimes even unexpected "complications" can be a positive side effect.

Get Discounts on Restylane Injections with a Gilt City Deal

Dr. Yoho has a full medical aesthetic spa in his Pasadena location, and invites you to get a voucher toward facial fillers with a deal from Gilt City. $49 will buy you a voucher worth $100 toward a 1 mL treatment with Restylane or a family product. Limit 3. Or for $149, you will receive a $300 voucher toward a 2mL treatment.

Restylane and related fillers use hyaluronic acid. This filler mimics a chemical in the body, and has become a popular filler because of its soft, smooth, natural results. It can be used to plump up facial wrinkles and folds. These folds can become moderate to severe with age, and filling them helps to restore a smoother, more youthful appearance. Injectable fillers are often used in the problem areas around the mouth and are occasionally used to plump the lips, cheeks, or even the brow as well. Popular treatments include the laugh lines or nasolabial folds—those “parenthesis” lines that curve around the corners of the mouth. “Marionette” lines can develop that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin, and these also respond very well to Restylane injections.

Skillful medical aestheticians can do wonders with hyaluronic acid fillers. They can greatly smooth the facial lines without causing an unnatural frozen look, and can last about a year or even longer. It is important to find a skilled technician. Dr. Yoho’s specialists will consult with you to determine the best treatment options. Restylane has very little downtime, and low occurrences of complications such as lumps or bruising. The vouchers must be used by September 30, 2012, so call our office today, and purchase your voucher. See the limitations and terms on the Gilt City offer before purchasing.